Anchor
Written by: RinoaDestiny
#33 – The Yagami Estate
Iori pushed the sliding doors open to the central courtyard, catching the pale dawn in time for breakfast. A quiet servant girl, carrying a full tray, stepped into the main room of the estate and gave him a small bow. He needed to learn the names of the staff; he'd been gone too long, despite his reasons. Kneeling, the girl arranged the dishes on the low table beside him and then rose to leave.
"What's your name?"
"Yagami-san?"
"Your name. Don't remember seeing you before."
"Akane Yamagami. My mother used to work here."
During his father's time, presumably. He couldn't remember her mother, but the clan records might have information on all hired hands. "Do you work here often? Didn't see you yesterday."
"Just when Mother permits me."
Not her full-time job, then. Perhaps, this was just a taste of working experience before Akane graduated high school. Iori didn't know her age – wasn't about to ask – but she looked at least four years younger than him. Maybe. Makeup could obscure or emphasize certain aspects; this, he was familiar with.
"Do you need anything else, Yagami-san?"
"No. This will do." A gentler dismissal than what his father would've done. "Keep the doors open. I want to look outside."
Akane bowed, smiling shyly. The sliding door to the inner corridor closed as she exited, unobtrusive as her entrance.
Iori turned to the table, to his breakfast, which he intended to finish prior to returning to the city and his apartment. A bowl of white rice, a larger bowl of miso soup, pickled vegetables including some tart plums, and grilled salmon. A typical Japanese breakfast – a nice break from his usual convenience store purchases. He reached for the soup first to warm his stomach.
As he ate, he observed the courtyard and its serene surroundings. The pale sky, once the color of pearl, had burned away with the morning sun into a light blue. For now, it was cloudless and the temperature cool. It might be different in the city with its skyscrapers and crowds, but out here in the countryside, it was comfortable. The bamboo water fountain thudded its soothing rhythm and a few insects hummed.
Soup finished, Iori started on the rice and fish.
Yesterday was sedate and uneventful. Having decided to pack light, he took his acoustic guitar, a few changes of clothing, and the cypress fan from the trip. The train ride to the nearest stop, followed by a trip by bus towards the outskirts was slow and peaceful. He'd enjoyed viewing the surroundings from cityscape to rural and even taken a few naps in between. The brief walk from the bus stop towards his clan's estate reminded him of Hinohara and what that encompassed.
He'd hung the fan from the wall of his claimed bedroom. Although his father's quarters and the entire left wing was rightfully his, Iori avoided them. Instead, he'd taken a side room off this main one, stashing his guitar and clothing by the futon closet. The staff had been surprised to see him, until he explained why he was here and would be here from time to time. He'd kept the meeting short, never fond of many words. Some of the faces were new, while there were others he remembered from childhood. Yet, he'd forgotten their names.
The fish was finished. Kyo would've liked it – probably would bolt it down.
After settling in, he'd swung by the local village to see if any sign makers were available. There was a family business there, with the eldest son currently running the shop; Iori had entered, checked their work, and taken a business card. One of these days, he'd give them a call. Nothing at this moment was urgent, not even the necessary repairs.
Shoving the last of the rice into his mouth, Iori put the chopsticks and rice bowl back on the table. Taking a pickled plum, he left the vegetables uneaten and stood. Breakfast complete, he now looked forward to returning home. His apartment with its couch, sound system, small kitchen, television, bedroom with an actual bed, and all the memories there.
He needed to check his mail, just in case.
Shoving the sour plum to the back of his cheek, Iori went through his wallet, making sure his identification was all there. His main I.D. card with his dour face, a health insurance card (policy period still valid), and a few receipts. He'd left his name stamp in the apartment, since there was nothing here that needed signing. The sign maker's business card. A small crisp bundle of yen bills and a few coins.
Satisfied, Iori placed the wallet into his back pocket.
As he put on his shoes and descended into the courtyard, he pulled his phone out and reread Kyo's simple message. He'd seen it yesterday; yet, experience stalled off a premature answer. Let him rest a full day in the estate – the night air different and shadows reminiscent of childhood fears lurking – before telling Kyo everything was fine.
Outside, the sky was higher and the blue deeper and clearer. Already, the faint streaks of forming clouds, feather-thin. Within a few hours, the temperature would rise; it'd be best to be in shade or indoors by then. Iori glanced down at his phone again, at the "Hey. How's everything going?" text, pondering his response.
A bird flew overhead, cutting an elegant line in the air.
It's quiet here, he typed. Nothing exciting. Not that he wanted any excitement here. Going home today.
Kyo's reply was instantaneous. Good to know you're okay.
Of course I'm okay. A bit indignant, even for him. Just prefer the city.
It's not like Hinohara?
No. The countryside was beautiful and peaceful, but the estate held its secrets. It's not.
A few seconds of inactivity on his screen. I have a clan meeting tomorrow.
Iori began strolling towards the gate. He knew how much Kyo hated the bureaucracy behind the clan's operations. Just focus. It'll be over within a few hours if there's nothing important.
And if there is?
Then you deal with it and learn a few things. Getting Kyo to learn was the problem. In the end, only Kyo could do it – most he could do was help and that was it.
A moment where nothing happened on his phone.
He reached the gate with its aged family plaque. Crossed the threshold and headed for the bus stop. The phone vibrated in his hand. You still have the early chronicles I brought last time, right?
Yeah.
Maybe…if you can…
What is it?
If you can go over that with me, maybe I'd learn something interesting.
Speaking of learning…. When we both get the invite, come over. We can study it together. I'm curious to see what else your clan recorded.
My boyfriend the scholar.
Tch.
The sun burned like burnished bronze and clouds scudded across the sky. No breeze yet among the tall grass, although a small flock of sparrows startled upon his approach and scattered. It wasn't Hinohara but out here, he could pretend. Iori looked down as his phone went off again in his hand. Say…you wearing a new outfit this time?
To mention anything would spoil the surprise. He needed to bring his new coat to his tailor, see if any materials were available for the alterations, and then also hunt for a new shirt. He didn't need Ginza for that – downtown Osaka offered plenty of varieties in fabrics, colors, and patterns. You'll find out.
A brief pause.
Okay, I get ya. I'll wait.
You're not gonna surprise me like you did last time, right?
That's a one-time thing. Don't worry.
Iori smirked. Good. It'd taken him a while that year to reconcile Kyo with…whatever fashion sense the other man had become enamored with. He reached the bus stop – the only person there – and rolled his shoulders back. If you can bring the records of your clan during the 1800s, I'd like to see those.
We weren't frequent visitors to Edo. At least I don't think so.
My clan even less so, but we still received news and rumors. Can show you some of those.
Sounds good. Hey, gotta go – Dad's calling. If I survive tomorrow's meeting, you'll hear from me again. If.
A low chuckle rumbled from deep within his chest. You'll be fine. Just pay attention.
'K – see ya.
Well, that wasn't a bad way to pass the time or the early morning. It could've been worse. Iori pocketed his phone, dug a cigarette out, lit it, and waited for the arrival of the bus.